Another word problem: Over the last few weeks, Village Voice writer Graham Rayman has published transcripts taken from recordings made inside Bed-Stuy’s 81st NYPD Precinct. Since releasing the first and second installments, Rayman has exposed the intimidation of victims by cops trying to downgrade crime stats, among other various misdeeds and tragically priceless cop-quotes. In the newest installment of The Police Tapes, Vol. 3, Rayman uncovers the most shocking one yet: a retired NYPD detective who’s now coming forward about downgraded sexual assault numbers.

Elsewhere in this week’s News, there are other equations to be solved out there, too: the rising tally of Mexican immigrants being pushed by any means necessary out of our country, and the toll of casualties it takes, in part of a national Village Voice Media story, The Life and Death of a Murdered Arizona Rancher. Finally, in a count you have to look forward to, our World Cup 2010 Bluffer’s Guide might actually make you familiar with the kind of numbers that you’ll benefit — at least in spirit — from knowing.